Bearbrick 400% vs 1000%: Which Should You Buy?

When building a Bearbrick collection, the first major decision is whether to concentrate on 400% or 1000% figures—or both. Here's the honest investment and display case for each.

The 400% Case

Size: 28cm (approximately 11 inches). Fits on shelves, desktops, and in display cases. Easy to display multiples.

Price: $80–$800 retail depending on edition. Secondary market for artist collaboration editions: $200–$3,000.

Investment verdict : Better for building breadth. You can own 5–10 interesting artist collaborations for the cost of one 1000%. Compare the same BE@RBRICK release, size and collaboration using dated completed sales, including packaging, condition and provenance. A format-wide growth rate does not value an individual figure.

The 1000% Case

Size: 70cm (approximately 28 inches). A floor piece or major display surface anchor. Makes an unmistakable statement.

Price: $200–$3,000+ retail. Secondary market for artist collaborations: $1,000–$50,000+.

Investment verdict : Better for depth. Higher entry cost, but the upside ceiling is much higher.

The Hybrid Strategy

Most serious collectors do both: multiple 400% for breadth, variety, and display flexibility; one to three 1000% as the collection's investment anchors. The 1000% figures are the ones that appreciate most dramatically when demand surges.

Which Artist Collaborations to Target

• Best long-term holds: KAWS, Takashi Murakami, Futura 2000, Keith Haring estate
• Strong mid-term holds: Daniel Arsham, Kaws, Cleon Peterson
• For display only: Brand collaborations (streetwear, sports teams)—hold value but limited appreciation

Browse Bearbrick 400% and 1000% figures at Gauntlet Gallery.